Snowplow



March 23 1926. 1,577,561

R. T. CHILES SNOWPLOW Filed June 19, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 5] uwc 14 mm March 23 1926., 1,577,561-

R. T. CHILES V SNOWPLOW Filed June 19, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 nveu roz v Quorum v Patented Mar. 23 1926.

- v UNITED 3 STATES I PATENT FI E.

mom!) r. exams, or PORTLAND, mama.

' suowrnow.

Application filed June 19,

the removing of snow from paths, side-- walks and roadways requires a great deal of time, labor, and expense. It 'is therefore of importance to devise means for reducing these factors as much as possible. I am aware that snow plows have been used .on the railroads and that these'plows' employ certain of the mechanism used in my device as for instance the rotary shovel. 1 am also aware that the shovels used by the railroads are power driven and are adapted to throw the snow to one side of the track on which the machine is running. None of these machines however are constructed for an easy manipulation in and adaptation to a path, a sidewalk, or a roadway having sharp turns and an irregular course, neither are the so constructed as to be readily adapted tolight as well as to deep snow. Further,these devices are either manipulated with a great expenditure of labor or involve complicated and expensive mechanism. 7

Objects of the present invention are to provide a snow plow that can be operated with a minimum of labor; that will be mobile; easily and simply adaptable to various conditions of a roadway or sidewalk and that will be simple of construction, and economical of manufacture.

Another object is to relieve the operator as much as possible of the weightof the machine in the operation thereof and to arrange the operating mechanism for easy and convenient manipulation.

In carrying out the above objects, I provide a frame with a casing mounted on one end thereof having a rotary shovel and a feed wheel journalled therein and at the other end handles such as are provided on 1924.' Serial No. 720,928.

trucks and wheelbarrows. The frame also has motive means for driving the shovel and feed wheel mounted frame so equipped is mounted on means to afford rotative locomotion, preferably wheels attached intermediate its ends in position so that their common axis will be approximatel under but preferably a little forward of v t e center of gravity of the machine.

Another object of the inventionis to-provide power driven means which may be en-- gaged with the wheels on'which the frame is mounted for driving them or disengaged therefrom, at, the will of the operator.

Another object of the invention is simplicityof constru'ctionand of operation and economg in manufacture.

Anot er object is the arrangement of the exhaust pipe leading from the en ine so as to materially reduce the noise of discharge.

Another object is to so arrange the bearings on the main shafts carrying the shovels and feed wheel as to maintain the said shovel and feed wheel against displacement from their position in their casings.

thereon and the A further object is to adapt the machine for operation in a small area and in places where there is a necessity of making frequent and short turns.

Various other objects, advantages and features of novelty will appear from the following specification taken with the accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the snow plow. 1

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof, with the engine omitted.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation similar to Fig. 1, showing the machine tilted to position for removing snow close to the ground.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through the shovel and feed Wheel casings. taken on the line 4-4, Fig. 2, showing the relation of parts therein, said view being on an en larged scale relative to Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

Fig.- 5 is a cross section of the casings taken at right angles .to the section shown in Fi 4, and on the line 55, Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a view on a still larger scale than Fig. 4, showing in longitudinal section the details of the clutch for throwing the locomotive wheels of the machine into driving connection with the power of the machine.

Fig. 7 is a detail end view of the clutch showing the cam arrangement for operating the clutch.

Fig. 8 is a detail view showing the connection of the right hand traction wheel with the traction shaft, whereby it is adapted to rotate with or rotate relative to the shaft at the will of the operator.

I will now describe my invention in detail referring to the parts on the drawings by reference numerals, the same numerals designating the same parts in all views.

In the present embodiment of the machine constituting my invention, 10 designates a frame consisting of a pair of beams 11 arranged in parallelism with each other and connected together near one end of the frame by a rod 12, the other ends of the beams bein connected to a shovel casing 13, to which a eed wheel casing 14 is attached. The ends of the beams adjacent the rod are formed for convenience of manipulation of the machine into handles 15.

Within the shovel easing are a plurality of shovels 16 which are arranged in spaced relation to each other and extend radially. from a main shaft 17 which latter extends axially of the casing. The shovels comprise radial strips 18 connected at their outer ends b other strips 19 constituting the shovel b ades. On the outer end of the shaft and in front of the shovel blades, is a feed wheel 20 comprising blades 21 which extends radially from a suitable hub 22 keyed to the shaft 17. The blades of the feed wheels are preferably turned at an angle to the plane passing t rough the hub atright angles to its axis after the manner of propeller blades. On the forward end of the feed wheel casing is secured a scoop 23 adapted for easy projection into the snow and having the upper edges of its sides sloping rearwardly and upwardly toward the casing. Tangentially arranged relative to the shovel casing'and communicating therewith is a discharge chute 24: opening at one side of the machine so as to throw the snow to one side of the path or walk being cleaned. The relationship of the driving force hereinafter to be described, to the shovels is such as to drive them at a great speed whereby the snow is thrown a great distance from the path or walk.

The frame 10 is provided with locomotive means to assist in its movement over the surface of the round. This means is preferably located centrally between the ends thereof so that the front end of the machine may be raised or lowered with a minimum exertion of force by the operator to bring the scoop and feed wheel into contact with different levels of snow or turned from side to side in order that the machine may make the wheels. are legs 29 preferably formed of straps of iron and which constitute together with the wheels a support for the frame when at rest.

Supported by the frame and preferably located rearwardly of the wheels so as to slightly over balance the shovel, feed wheel etc., is a driving means for the shovel as shown in the form of an internal combustion engine 30, the crank shaft of which is in driving connection with the main shaft 17 on which the shovel wheel and feed wheel are mounted. This connection may be of any well known variety as by means of sprocket wheels 31 and 32 keyed to the shaft 17 and the crank shaft respectively, about which is trained the sprocket chain 33. By the arrangement of the engine 30 so as to slightly over balance the shovel etc., it will beseen that when the machine is at rest, it will be in stable equilibrium supported on the legs and wheels. On the other hand when in operation the pressure and weight of the snow on the front of the machine will counter this overbalance.v

It is desirable that aplow of this char acter should be eitherfhdapted to be propelled manually or to be driven by the engine, at the will of the operator. In order that it may be driven by the engine, the shaft 17 is provided with a bevel gear 34, which is keyed thereto and which is in constant mesh with a bevel gear 35, connected to a shaft 36 arranged at right angles to the shaft 17 and journalle-d upon one of the beams 11 in the journal boxes 37 and 37. This shaft extends beyond the frame member and has on its outer end a sprocket wheel 38. A sleeve 39 is secured to the same side of the frame as the journal box 37 and rearwardly thereof in close proximity to the handle 15. Upon this sleeve projecting laterally from the frame and acting as a stub shaft, two sprocket wheels 40 and l-l are mounted for angular and axial movement relative to the sleeve. A sprocket chain is trained about the sprocket wheels 38 and i0 whereby the latter is in constant rotation when the engine is running and a sprocket chain 54 is trained about sprocln-t wheels 38 and a1 whereby when one of those wheels is rotating the other will also rotate.

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4 an enlsrgedfortion43 affording a shoulder which provi es an-abutment or-thrust bear 'ing-for the sprocket wheel 41, and whichprevents itsdetachment fromthe sleeve at that end. The sprockets40 and 41 are provided on their ad'acent faces respectively with telescgping friction clutch members 52 and 53 .hel

' normally'out of operative relationship by spfin 44 inset into a channel 44? formed in t e ace of sprocket wheel 41.

Mounted on the opposite end of the sleeve from that on which the shouldered portion -k 43 is formed, for sliding movement axially of the sleeve, is a on a block 45 which is prevented from rotary movement by the lug 45" on the sleeve 39 riding in the groove 45 formed in the cam block. A cam surface 46 of radual inclination is formed on the outer ace of the cam block for a pur ose which will presently appear. Journale in the bore of the sleeve 39 is a shaft 47 having a finger 48 secured to one end which is adapted to ride over the cam surface 46 when the shaft 47 is rotated. The opposite end of this shaft is provided with a handle 49 extending radially therefrom and located in position to be conveniently grasped for operation by the operator.

Pivotally attached at 49 to the handle 49 is a member 50 which is formed with a series of notches 51 for'cooperation with the rod 12 to hold the handle in any position of angular adjustment desired by. the operator within a given range.

To facilitate the rotation of sprockets 40 and 41, ballbearings 62 are provided between the sprocket 40 and cam block 45. When the handle 49 is moved downward, the finger 48 will move toward the highest portion of the cam surface 46 and will force the clutch members 52 and 53 into frictional relationship with each other, thereby causing the sprockets 40 and 41 to rotate as a unit and in this manner form a driving connection between the engine and the traction wheels 25. On the other hand, when it is desired to draw the. machine backward or when for'any other reason it is desired to propel it manually, without the aid of power from the engine. over the ground, the clutch may be released by pressing down the handle 49 and drawing back the member 50, whereupon the sprocket 40 will run idle.

It is desirable to operate the machine hereinbefore described under varying circumstances. as for instance. the plow may be moved forward in a-straight line when snow is to be removed from a long and comparatively straight path or roadway, or it may be used on a short sidewalk. or on a long walk having many sharp bends, necessitating frequent turns. In the former case, it is found that the best traction results are ob tained by havingbo'th wheels rotate with the axle; in the latter cases,"onthe other hand, turning is'facilitated by having one of the wheels rotate independently of the axle. It

is desirable, therefore, that, the traction mechamsmshould be so arranged that either of these results may be obtained at the will of the operator.

In the present embodiment, the said deslred results are obtained by having the ri ht wheel and that part of the axle with which 1t isconnected soconstructed as to adapt it either to revolve on the shaft 26 or to be eyed thereto, and to rotate therewith as desired by the operator.

The construct-ion of the shaft and wheel by which this result may be accomplishedis illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings, wherem 25" designates the hub of the wheel 25; 25 is a washer between the hub and the axle bearing; and 25 is a collar keyed to the axle 26 by means of a set screw 25.

The hub 25 is provided with a threaded aperture 25', and the axle 26 with a corresponding depression 25 so located as to be adapted to be brought into alignment with the said .aperture. A set screw 25 is screwed into the aperture 25, and is adapted to be projected into the depression 25 to cause the wheel 25 to rotate with the axle or cause the same to be withdrawn from said depression when it is desired to have the wheel revolve independently of the axle.

In order that the shovels 16 and the feed wheel 20, may be prevented from being displaced axially within their respective casings, the portion of the shaft 17 which projects rearwardly of the shovel casin 13 is rotatably mounted in three bearings 1 t, 17", and 17; the first of which is secured to the casing of the engine 30 and receives the end of the shaft 17 constituting a thrust bearing to prevent rearward displacement. The rear face of the beveled gear 34 keyed to shaft 17 rests against the bearing 17,-

avoided and the said wheels are maintained in their proper working positions.

In order that the noise from the engine may be silenced to as great an extent as possible and that vibration may be reduced to a minimum, the exhaust pipe 57 is extended downwardly and to one side of the machine so that the discharge opening will lie in close proximity to the snow bank through which the cut is being made. For cooling the engine, a fan 55 is provided suitably mounted on the frame and driven in any convenient manner, as by a. belt 56 trained about pulleys 5S and 59 keyed respectively to the main shaft 17 and the fan shaft 60. Asuitable gas control 61 may be provided and located as shown for convenient manipulation by the operator, as

shown, located on the opposite side of the machine from the handle 49, thereby distributing the operating movement between the two hands of the operator. The machine is provided with the usual fuel tank 621, conveniently mounted on the frame for feeding the fuel by gravity to the engine cylinders.

It will appear from the foregoing description that I have produced a machine for cleaning snow off of walks or roadways which is simple in construction; simple of operation; with the parts so arranged as to be convenient for operation with a minimum of exertion on the part of the operator; that this machine by its construction is adapted for operation upon straight roadways or walks or upon paths which are irregular or winding in their courses and which have sharp turns; and may be simply and easily manipulated to cut a path of greater width and depth than the width and depth of the shovel of the machine; that it may be propelled manually or by motive power at the will of the operator; and which operates with but sli ht noise and vibration.

Having fifily described my invention, what I claim is:'

1. A snow plow comprising a frame, a shovel at one end of the frame and handles formed at the opposite end, wheels supporting the shovel in spaced relation to the ground when the frame is in horizontal position, said wheels being located substantially midway between the shovel and handles.

2. A snow plow comprising a frame, wheels supporting said frame in spaced relation to the ground, a shovel at the forward end of the frame, and handles at the rear end for manipulating the shovel to various levels of snow and for guiding the plow. In a device of the character described, a frame, traction wheels located. approximately midway of the ends of said frame, guiding handles at the rear end of the frame, a rotary shovel at thev forward end of said frame, motive means on said frame for rotating said shovel, and means for making and breaking a driving connection between the motive means and said traction wheels.

4. In a snow plow, .a frame, a powerdriven shovel at one end of the frame, handles at the opposite end of the frame, wheels located intermediate the ends of the frame and supporting the frame and shovel in spaced relation to the ground when the frame is in a horizontal position.

5. In a device of the character described, a frame, wheels mounted intermediate the ends of said frame for afiording locomotion to said frame, said frame being connected with the wheels so as to lie above the same when in a horizontal position, handles at one end of the frame, a rotary shovel at the opposite end of the frame, and means supplying driving power to said rotary shovel.

6. A snow plow comprising a frame havmg a rotary shovel at one end and handles at the opposite end, wheels secured to said frame between the shovel and handles, the relation of the frame to the wheels being such that when the frame rests in a horizontal position the shovel will be spaced from the ground a distance greater than the length of the radius of the shovel.

7. A snow plow of the character described comprising a frame, a rotary shovel at the forward end of said frame, an internal combustion engine on said frame, an exhaust pipe leading from said engine downward to a position near the ground when the machine is at rest, said pipe being curved to one side toward its lower end.

8. In a machine of the character described, means for cleaning snow or the like from a sidewalk, path, or roadway, traction means for said machine comprising a shaft, a pair of traction wheels on said shaft, one of which is permanently keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith, the other being adapted to be keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith or to revolve thereon and independently thereof at the will of the operator.

9. In a machine of the character described, a frame having handles formed at one end, a rotary shovel mounted in a casing secured to the other end of said frame, power means on said frame for operating said shovel, and traction means supporting said frame and attached thereto between said handles and said casing, means to connect said wheels in driven relation to said power means or disconnect it therefrom at the will of the operator, said handles being located in the rear of the traction means a distance approximately equal to the forward end of the easing from the wheels, and said casing being supported in spaced relation to the ground a distance greater than the length of the radius of the shovel when the frame is in a horizontal position.

10. In a snow plow, a frame having a shovel at one end and handles at the other end, the total length of the machine being only slightly in excess of twice the greatest width of the machine.

11. In a snow plow a frame, a shovel at one end and handles at the opposite end, the total length of the machine being less than three times the greatest width of the machine.

12. A snow plow having locomotive means, a frame mounted on said locomotive means having a shovel at one end and handles at the opposite end, said handles being located rearwardly of said locomotive means a distance not greater than that from the forward end of said shovel to said locomotive means.

13. A snow plow, comprising a frame mounted on wheels and having a shovel at one end and handles at the opposite end, the length of said {HUNG being less than three times its width. and being so mounted on said wheels that when the'maehine is in its normal position of rest the shovel will be in spaced relation to the ground.

14. A snow plow comprising a frame mounted on wheels and h :iving n shovel atone end and handles rigidly connected to the other end, said wheels being located substantially midway between the ends of the frame and the length of the machine being less than three times its greatest width.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

RICHARD T. CHILES. 

